You've probably heard of framing nailers, but what about their not-so-distant cousin, the pallet nailer? Pallet nailers look and function very similar to a framing nailer - the only difference being these special nail guns are designed for industrial applications, such as building and repairing pallets and crates. Typically available for use with coil nails, there are also a few strip nailers available for pallets and crating - such as the Bostitch BRT130, the MAX HS130 or the Fasco F91A RHN20.

The biggest difference that separates a pallet nailer from other types of nail guns is in its intended use - for industrial and manufacturing applications. Whereas a framing nailer is typically found on a construction site, pallet and crating nailers are typically found in warehouses or high-production facilities. These heavy-duty tools are built for high-volume use - built extra tough to handle the rigors of frequent, repetitive use for several hours at a time. Some pallet nailer variations, such as the MAX CN70PAL (available for special order only, on NGD), are built with specific applications in mind. The CN70PAL is an identical tool to the popular MAX CN70, the only difference being the CN70PAL is missing its magazine. Eliminating the magazine on this tool allows it to become extra versatile - for automated manufacturing use.

Our top picks for pallet nailing applications, check out a variety of different models available from Everwin, MAX and Senco. With several models available, depending on the fastener size desired, each of these manufacturers has something special to offer its end user.

Known for quality and cost-effectiveness, Everwin is a relatively new brand to the market - but don't let that fool you, these tools are built with a high level of quality and integrity. Get the quality and durability of other name brands - at a fraction of the cost. Choose between the Everwin PN57, the PN57PP, the PN70 or the PN100 - with additional models expected to launch later this month.

A familiar name in framing, pallet nailing and roofing - MAX offers a lineup of time-tested, industry proven pallet and crate nail guns. Choose between the MAX CN55, the MAX CN70, the MAX CN80, the MAX CN100 and the previously mentioned MAX HS130. With tools available for a range of 1" to 4" pallet nails, there is a MAX pallet nailer for every manufacturing operation.

Another industry-leader, Senco offers a full-line of pallet nailers including the PalletPro 57F, the PalletPro 100, the PalletPro 130 and the SCN65XP. Senco's claim to fame, look for the bright red body color on its recently updated lineup of framing and pallet tools - as well as many other Senco Brand products. Senco also offers a five-year limited warranty on some of its pallet nailers - and all of its XP series tools - so you can have the peace of mind knowing your tool will be running for years to come.

Framing nailers are designed to tackle the obvious - framing - but did you know they can be useful for other applications? Uses can include anything from framing to sheathing, sub-flooring, truss building and decks. If you work in a construction or renovation trade, chances are you have worked with a framing nailer at least once. Let's take a look at how a framing nail gun works, its uses, and different options available on the market today.

Paslode CF325Li

One of the most important woodworking tools on a home-building site, the framing gun will allow you to drive framing nails into support structures without hesitation. These nail guns are designed for heavy-duty use - and can drive a row of fasteners faster than many woodworkers can hammer one framing nail. As with any tool, framing nailer safety is one of the most important practices you should follow. For more information on nail gun safety, check out our previous blog post here.

If you are researching different framing nailers, you will find that there are two primary types available - cordless or pneumatic. Cordless framing nailers are powered by a compressed-air fuel cell, paired with a rechargeable battery, such as the Paslode CF325Li (replaced by Paslode CF325XP). The older, more traditional sibling, a pneumatic framing nail gun (also known as air-powered), generates its energy through an air compressor, such as the Senco FramePro 325XP. Either of these tool variations are perfect for the job site. A cordless framing gun will typically cost more than its pneumatic counterpart, however, you will find that it is much more flexible to use, as it isn't restricted to the length of an air hose. Consider how versatile you need your nailer to be when shopping for a new one.

Senco FramePro 325XP

A typical framing nailer will be available with either a bump-fire or single-shot mechanism, which will allow you to select between how you trigger a nail to be driven. Bump-firing allows you to suppress the nailer's trigger and continuously drive nails as the gun moves across a section of wood. Single-firing, on the other hand, requires you pull the trigger each time you fire a nail. As a safety precaution, almost every new nail gun will require that the nose be pressed against a surface, in order to fire a nail.

Hitachi NV83A4

The magazine is another area of consideration, when shopping for a framing gun. Depending on your line of work, you will want to consider the benefit of a strip nailer versus a coil nailer. Typically, construction workers and builders who work in high-volume fastening environments prefer the coil nailer, such as the Hitachi NV83A4, as it allows for a larger magazine capacity - which increases productivity. A DIYer or light-use builder might prefer the strip nailer, such as the MAX SN883RH2 (replaced by MAX SN883RH3), as it is lighter weight, easier to load, and generally a bit more versatile. The biggest consideration between a strip or coil nail gun is magazine capacity - just be certain you are purchasing the correct nail for your gun.